Homes for Haringey braced for bad weather

With temperatures plummeting, streets and roads on Haringey estates are set for a clear winter as additional grit and salt bins have been purchased for all Homes for Haringey managed estates.

Almost 200 new yellow salt bins have been purchased along with approx 38 tonnes of grit. Each estate will have access to at least two 25Kg pallets of salt and 10kg bags of white de-ice.

Under new arrangements and given early weather warnings, gritting duties will now be carried out by Haringey Enterprise staff unable to carry out normal cleaning and sweeping duties during snowy weather conditions. A priority list of estates where elderly and vulnerable residents reside, and communal bin areas where access by refuse staff could be difficult in icy conditions, has also been earmarked.

Councillor John Bevan, Cabinet Member for Housing Services, said: “I am very pleased. Following the icy patch earlier this year, Homes for Haringey now has a more effective plan to ensure housing estates are fully catered for. Once the normal weather resumes, the salt bins will be emptied and returned to store to prevent vandalisation.”

Last year, estate service staff from the housing management organisation assisted residents and Supported Housing scheme managers by carrying out additional gritting. Some grounds maintenance staff were also redeployed to clear lobbies, entrance paths and pavements on estates.

Terry Denny, Estate Services Team Leader said: “All our estates now have dedicated and suitable storage spaces. We have also saved overall costs by purchasing de icer in bags instead of plastic tubs, thereby reducing landfill.”